The first batch of Norwegian oil shipped via the Lithuanian seaport of Klaipeda and transported by rail has reached the Naftan refinery. 59 railcars arrived in Navapolack on Sunday, reports the state news agency BELTA.
The first train has brought 3500 tons of Norwegian crude out of a total of 86 000 tons purchased by Belarus. It will take around two weeks to transport it from Lithuania to Belarusian refineries.
Belarus bought the Norwegian oil on 20 January following a row with Belarus' main oil supplier Russia. The import from Norway will cost Minsk significantly more than the Russian crude.
Belarus and Russia are yet to reach a new deal on oil supplies in 2020. Moscow ties the crude supplies with 'deeper integration' with Minsk.